We have both recently been assigned new callings in our ward. Josh has been called to serve as the young mens basketball coach for the deacons and teachers. They have had a few practices already, and the boys show much potential. Josh and the boys are becoming good friends and they are all excited for their first game on January 7th.
What a great holiday. Besides Christmas, it's our favorite one. So what are some things to be thankful for? Well lets begin our list on a time line. How about our savior, who suffered so much for everyone of us. He has felt pain that we can't even imagine. And how about the ones who began this amazing country. Like Lincoln, George Washington and the other founding fathers. The declaration of independence, and all the fallen soldiers who have risked and given their lives to protect it. This truely is the land of God. We are grateful for those who donate free labor and time to the community. Volunteer work speaks volumes about a persons personality. We are grateful for our active military, police, and fireman who protect us. We are especially grateful for our employment that allows us to receive income. Whether we like our jobs or not, it's nice to have one in this strained economy today. We are especially grateful for our families health and safety. Last but not least, we are grateful for our restored gospel, and for the ones who restored it. There are so many unfortunate people in the world who will never receive the chance to know our gospel. We are so grateful to have been given the opportunity.
"Ted L. Alvey, 75, of Nampa, Idaho passed away Thursday, November 5, 2009. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ted was born December 8, 1933 in Goshen, Utah to Maurice and Norma Jasperson Alvey. He was the second of six children, five boys and one girl. He grew up in Goshen, Utah and graduated from Payson High School in 1952. Ted met his wife Pat Peterson from Provo, Utah on his graduation day. They were married July 10, 1953 and the marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River LDS Temple. Their marriage brought much love and happiness lasting 56 years. They were blessed with five children, 20 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. They moved from Sandy, Ut to Idaho in 1975 and Ted became manager of Cummin's Diesel in Boise. He was a natural born salesman and won numerous awards, trips and promotions which later led to starting his own business with two sons in 1982. He loved to work and enjoyed it almost as much as hunting and fishing. Ted adored his family above everything else and was always there with love, advice and a listening ear. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held various positions through the years. Ted is remembered with so much love as he leaves behind his wife Pat, a daughter, Julie (Mike) Eldridge; sons, Gary (Debbie), Mark (Teresa), Dennis (Marti), Ryan (Cori) and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a sister, Jean (LaMar) Hall and brothers, LaMar (Donna) and Golden (Kathy) Alvey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother, Eddy Floyd and a brother Steven Max Alvey."
Grandpa Alvey was a great grandpa. So many hunting and fishing memories with him. He sure knew how to keep your stomach full anytime you were in the outdoors with him. And he knew his favorite mountains and lakes like the back of his hand. His love for his wife and family is something to cherish and follow. He loved to laugh and have fun and always carried a smile on his face. I have so many Thanksgiving in Idaho memories throughout my life. Those times mean the world to me, and are my best childhood experiences. So many great cousins to play with, pastures and creeks to explore, and the fun duck hunting with our grandpa and dads. This passing is very hard for me, because I had always wanted to have my kids experience these things too. But now it will never happen as grandpa is gone and the house is going up for sale.